How to charge your electric car/scooter safely at home: simple tips

The trend of electric vehicles is increasing in India. Electric scooters are now a regular sight in cities, and more families are bringing home EV cars as a second or even primary vehicle. Since public charging points are still on the rise, most owners rely on charging their vehicles at home. It is convenient and cheap too. But like any electrical device, EV charging requires a little care.-The first thing to remember is simple. Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer. EV chargers are designed to work best with the vehicle’s battery management system. A random third-party charger may seem harmless, but it may cause unstable charging or overheating in the long run.-Many EVs sold in India come with a portable charger that plugs into a regular wall socket. But ideally, a dedicated socket should be installed for the vehicle. Charging takes several hours and provides stable power. If the same socket is shared with other devices, it may overload the circuit. A proper 15A socket with good earthing usually works best for domestic charging.

-The location you charge also matters. The parking lot should be dry and adequately ventilated. This is especially important during the monsoon season when parking areas may become waterlogged. If you have an electric scooter with a removable battery, avoid charging it on the floor. A stable table or shelf is safer.-Another common mistake that people make is using extension boards. This may seem convenient, but extension cables can get hot during long charging sessions. Direct connection to a good quality wall socket is always a safe option.-Most modern EVs automatically stop charging when the battery is full. Still, it’s a good habit to check occasionally. You don’t need to stand near the vehicle, but leaving it plugged in for too long isn’t always ideal.-Keep an eye on the charging cable from time to time. If you notice cuts, loose connectors or abnormal heat, replace it immediately.